Less (novel)

Less is a 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by American author Andrew Sean Greer. The story follows Arthur Less, a middle-aged, somewhat unsuccessful writer, as he travels the world to avoid attending the wedding of his former lover, who is significantly younger than him.

The novel is structured as a comedic travelogue, told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator who is intimately familiar with Less. Each section of the book chronicles a different leg of Less's journey, as he accepts various literary engagements and teaching opportunities in locations such as Mexico, Italy, Germany, Morocco, Japan, and India.

Throughout his travels, Less reflects on his past relationships, particularly his long-term partnership with the aforementioned former lover, Robert. He grapples with themes of aging, missed opportunities, and the search for meaning and self-discovery. While trying to escape the past and avoid facing his present circumstances, Less inadvertently confronts his own flaws and insecurities.

The novel is noted for its humorous and often self-deprecating tone, as well as its exploration of themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It offers a poignant and often comical portrait of a man navigating midlife and attempting to find his place in the world.